Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Piaggia Carmignano Riserva 2021
Carmignano DOCG – Tuscany – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A compelling Tuscan blend composed primarily of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, crafted by Piaggia, one of Carmignano’s benchmark estates, recognized for low yields, concentration, and precision-driven winemaking while preserving regional identity. The 2021 vintage beautifully captures the structured, terroir-focused soul of Carmignano without leaning into excessive ripeness or modern exaggeration.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, ripe plum, dried herbs, tobacco leaf, cedar, earthy undertones, and subtle graphite unfold with remarkable balance and restraint. Dark fruit remains fresh and vibrant rather than jammy, allowing savory and mineral nuances to shine through.

Mouthfeel
Medium+ bodied with elevated tension, polished yet firm tannins, and beautifully integrated acidity. Structured and intentional, carrying both power and elegance through a long, refined finish.

Food Pairings
Excellent with bistecca alla Fiorentina, grilled lamb chops, wild boar ragù, roasted meats, or aged cheeses such as Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano Reggiano.

Verdict
A serious and historically compelling Tuscan red that feels refreshingly authentic in a world often dominated by overhyped “Super Tuscans.” Piaggia delivers structure, terroir expression, and sophistication without sacrificing regional character. This is Tuscany speaking fluently through discipline and balance rather than sheer opulence.

Did You Know?
Long before the “Super Tuscan” movement emerged, Carmignano producers were already legally blending Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon as far back as the 1700s, after Cabernet vines were introduced to Tuscany under the Medici family. In many ways, Carmignano quietly pioneered the concept centuries earlier.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is exactly the kind of under-the-radar Tuscan wine that rewards drinkers looking beyond prestige labels and chasing authenticity, structure, and historical soul instead. Cheers! — 3 months ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.3

Closing the night during the fifth set of Sinner victory at the Melbourne Tennis Open

No need to wait, tannin is solved
Great concentration in the glass
Not heavy though

Super enjoyable and definitely drank in good company and a fantastic historical evening for Italian tennis 💥💥💥 — 2 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

So unique and so interesting. Another great vintage of this Wonderful wine. Earthy aromas and flavors along with Blackberry, plum and licorice. Intense herbal and purple flower notes. Medium ruby color, light body and smooth tannins. A historical and lovely wine. You can certainly taste the terroir. Revisited in May 2023. Aging beautifully! Revisited again in September 2025. This wine is coming to the end of its life cycle. Color is fading and the fruit seems more dried. Very soft and supple. Still interesting. — 6 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2014 vintage. This historical estate with great terroir surrounded by famous neighbours like Angélus, Ausone, Pavie etc. is going from strength to strength after it was bought by Denise and Stephen Adams (also owners of Château L'Enclos in Pomerol and ADAMVS in Napa Valley). 2014 vintage. 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Biodynamically farmed (since 2009, certification in 2020). Intriguing attractive nose with an amazing minerality, intertwined with cassis and a hint of truffle. In the mouth it is initially a bit severe, if classy. I would recommend decanting or taste it over several hours. After a few hours the fruit shines through compensating the tight tannic structure and the acidity. Built to age, I feel this will deserve a higher score in 5 or 6 years. It's a very classic restrained wine that definitely has an understated class. Nice value at under 50 euros if you like this style. — 6 years ago

Eric Urbani

9.0

The AVA for Friuli apparently extends into Slovenia, due to historical boundaries. Did not know that! — 7 years ago

Michael Meyer

9.2

Batasiolo Wine Dinner / Pour #5
One of their top 2 Barolo cuvées, from the historical La Morra cru they share with Gaja, Chiarlo, Damilano and others. Black currant, eucalyptus, balsamic, licorice, and rose. — 8 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.1

2018 vintage. This was still made under the CA ( Crédit Agricole) ownership. In 2019 the estate, together with La Tour de Mons, was sold to Nathalie Perrodo, who is doing a great job at Labégorce and Marquis d'Alesme. There seems to be historical evidence that the wines of (what was later called) Marsac Séguineau were considered fifth growth quality pre 1855, but it wasn't classified because of the very small production and the fragmentation of the vineyards. The Château was only constructed in 1886. Bordeaux is a fascinating region, not only for wine aficionados, but also for history lovers. In any case, this is already a delicious wine, exhibiting the famous Margaux elegance, without lacking power. Very good value too. I hope to find some recent vintages soon, as I expect the wines to progress under the new ownership. Abv. 14%. — 5 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.5

2016 vintage. Gran Reserva. Not comparable to the spectacular, very old school wines of the past, but an excellent, more modern Rioja from this historical producer. — 9 months ago

Ian Hamel

9.2

2022/12. I don’t often buy red Bordeaux-style wines from Italy but make an exception for certain historical estates like this. A great example of a unique combination of variety and place, and a great value. Lovely maturing aromas. — 3 years ago

Deborah M

9.0

Out to dinner with my parents last night and I was trying to find a wine that would make everyone happy. No it was not going to be the greatest pairing, but my objective was family happiness. I had previously opened a 2016 at home that they enjoyed, so I knew this would be a safe bet. The 2018 is drinking surprisingly well for being so young. While this was a nice bottle, it will be better with a few more years. If 2018 is your only option, I suggest a bit of time in the decanter.

Produttori del Barbaresco’s website offers a good bit of historical information on their wines — A cooperative founded in 1958, now has 51 members and controls more than 100 hectares (250 acres) of premium Nebbiolo vineyards in Barbaresco. Each family is in full control of its land, growing Nebbiolo grapes with centuries old skill and dedication. They produce a blend harvested from multiple vineyards, but in great years they will produce 9 single vineyard wines. I still need to try one of those single vineyard wines.

Facts: 2016 Produttori del Barbaresco. 100% Nebbiolo. Bottling date was April 2021. 15% ABV, but despite the number it does not come across that high.

Rule #4 Sometimes wine pairing importance comes second. I have to remind myself that not everyone I share a bottle with is as obsessed about wine as I am (i.e. my parents) — they just want to enjoy our time together with a nice glass of wine.
— 4 years ago

Tom Casagrande

9.0

128-yr. old vines. Super-rich, but I wish they had picked a bit earlier. This winery sources great Zin fruit from unique historical sources but they’re always over 15%. I cant help but think the wines would be more interesting and flexible if they picked earlier. In any event, this is quite good and shows very ripe Zin character, but the acids are low and the effect of some bottle age is a flatter mouthfeel. Still very good. — 7 years ago

Jeff Loo

9.2

Always fun to drink this with fellow wine lovers, such a fun wine but sad to see the price tag that you have to pay for it now. — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.7

The nose reveals; dark currants, blackberries, heavy black plum, black raspberries, dark cherries and some blueberries. Black tea, expresso roast, anise, crushed dry rocks, big vanilla, clove, a little nutmeg, dry underbrush, sweet tarry notes, leather, woody notes with dark fresh & withering flower bouquet.

The body is big and lush. The tannins are big, meaty and tarry. Very dark currants. Blackberries, heavy black plum, black raspberries, dark cherries and some blueberries & strawberries as they open up. Black tea, expresso roast, steeped fruit tea, anise, crushed dry rocks, dry clay, big graphite, big vanilla, dark spice, clove, light dry herbs, a little nutmeg, dry underbrush, sweet tarry notes, leather, cedar with violets dark fresh & withering flower bouquet. The acidity is round, fresh and beautiful. The big, long, well balanced finish is excellent and look forward to having this in 15-20 years. This one will be a stunner!

Photos of, the barn where they make wine and hosts tastings, our private tasting area inside William’s old office. William desk and their outside terrace area.

Producer history & notes...Seavey Vineyard is located along Conn Valley Road in the eastern hills of Napa Valley, about 15 minutes from the valley floor.

This historical property was originally a cattle ranch. However, records indicate grapes were planted on some of the hillsides as early as the 1870’s. The stone dairy barn, still in existence, was built in 1881.

William & Mary Seavey purchased this property in 1979. The estate was originally founded by the Franco-Swiss Farming Company in 1881 which, closed down when Phylloxera destroyed their grape vines and the Volstead Act (Prohibition) went into effect. At the time of their purchase, they were a horse and cattle ranch. They quickly planted the slopes with grapes and initially sold their fruit to Raymond Vineyards. They have never purchased grapes, all their wine is made from estate grapes. Their vineyards are separated into 20 plus individual blocks.

Today, the property is about 200 total acres of which, 40 acres are planted to vine. Their hillside vineyards produce low yields of rich concentrated fruit. A small block of Chardonnay grows in a cooler lower part of their property. Besides grapes, they also raise cattle which are used to graze the hillsides. They feed the vineyard with the cattle cuttings. In 2003, they were one of the first Napa wineries to install solar.

Mary passed away in 2008 and William died in 2016. There daughter Dorie returned to the family business and now oversees the winery operations. Her brother Arthur also handles national and some small international sales, primarily to restaurants. However, most of their wine is sold direct to consumers.

Seavey’s first commercial vintage was released in 1990 a year after they renovated the stone dairy barn into a working winery. Today this stone building is the centerpiece of the property and is where tastings are hosted.

Since 2011, Jim Duane has been their day to day Winemaker. He’s worked at Robert Mondavi and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. It should also be noted that Philippe Melka Winemaker/Consultant has been with Seavey since 1995...one of Philippe’s two initial wine making jobs in the Napa Valley were with Seavey and Lail Vineyards.

Seavy makes about 3,200 cases annually depending on what mother nature brings. They make around two hundred cases of Chardonnay, slightly more Merlot and the rest is of the production is comprised of their Caravina and Estate Cabernets.
— 8 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Château du Tertre, Red Blend – 2018
AOC Margaux – Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷
5th Growth, Grand Cru Classé en 1855

Overview
A historic Margaux estate, Château du Tertre sits on a prominent gravel “tertre” (hillock) that gives the château its name. The 2018 vintage was a warm and generous year, producing wines with depth, richness, and polished tannins. The estate’s blend for the V.18 crafted Cabernet Sauvignon 40%, Merlot 30%, Cabernet Franc 25%, and Petit Verdot 5%, delivering the quintessential Margaux elegance.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, blackberry, and ripe plum layered with graphite, cedar, and cigar box. Hints of violets, licorice, and cocoa weave through the bouquet, adding complexity.

Mouthfeel
Elegant yet bold: medium to full-bodied with polished and structured tannins, a silky mid-palate, and a long, harmonious finish. A wine showing its prime with youthful vibrancy and well-integrated oak.

Food Pairings
Roast lamb with herbs, beef Wellington, duck breast, Truffle risotto, porcini pasta, mushroom burgers, aged Gruyère, Manchego, or Brie de Meaux.

Verdict
The 2018 vintage is a standout for Margaux, and Château du Tertre shines with a balance of power and finesse. Dark-fruited, silky, and aromatic, this wine embodies the elegance that Margaux is celebrated for, approachable now, yet cellar-worthy for another decade.

Did You Know?
Château du Tertre shares historical ties with Château Giscours (also in Margaux), once under the same ownership. Its elevated gravel terroir provides excellent drainage, making it ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon’s deep root systems.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight: For me, the 2018 du Tertre is the sweet spot, Margaux elegance meets ripe, modern Bordeaux style, without sacrificing finesse and within a reasonable price point. Cheers! — 9 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

1995 vintage. This tiny (2,3 hectares) Grand Cru Classé has been bought by the Moueix family and incorporated in the Premier Grand Cru Classé Belair-Monange ( that was already a mix of Belair and Magdelaine). There are several historical names that disappeared as they were incorporated in other estates, which is a bit sad given the quality and personality of some of these wines. If this 29 years old beauty is any indication, Clos La Madeleine deserves to stand on its own, but obviously, it's financially more interesting to sell it as a Premier Grand Cru Classé. This 1995 is drinking beautifully now. Crushed strawberries, roses, a hint of truffle, leather, and a distinctive minerality. Very much under the radar, but a beautiful elegant Saint-Emilion, with finesse and length. Abv. 12,5% — 2 years ago

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.2

Just needed time, both in storage and decant. Better on the 2nd day
Some historical stuff I found online,

The Chateau Caronne Ste. Gemme property has been making wine since the French Revolution and has existed since the mid 1600's. Now in the hands of the Nony family, who is related to the Borie family of multi-chateau fame, the estate is in excellent hands.
The vines average about thirty years of age and are located in the southwest corner of Saint Julien. The grapes are fermented in cement vats where they also undergo malolactic fermentation. From there they're aged in one third new French oak for one year before bottling. — 4 years ago

Matti Jokelainen

9.0

Light golden hue. On the nose this is like spätlese or auslese riesling with combination of apples, lime, wet stone like minerality. Maybe some hints of ripe white currant. On the palate it has just a tick of residual sugar with high acidity keeping things almost austere before fading and giving the sweet fruit to take center stage. Hints of oak giving creamier mouth feel and light sensation of vanilla. Aftertaste turns bit tangy towards end before leaving with very pronounced granny smith apple taste that lingers on for almost a minute. This is very interesting combination where the nose suggest sweeter wine where as the palate is almost completely dry. Very food friendly and worked fabulously with our risotto that had grilled turkey breast, zucchini, herbs and blackhorn mushrooms — 6 years ago

Michael Meyer

9.2

Can’t think of a better Tuscan IGT at this price point. Beautiful blending of historical grapes here yielding a velvet texture along with the typical tobacco/leather/cherry profile. — 7 years ago

Mustafa Camlica

10

This historical bottle coming from Uzan family cellar. Bought in 2004 government auction after family assets were seized by Turkish Government. Great example for a 30 year old Krug Clos Mesnil. — 8 years ago

Jeremy Pollard

9.1

(Delectable, please consolidate all these Wendouree wines! Sure, A.P. Birks is the proprietor and historical name, but the wines are only ever referred to as ‘Wendouree’. Please tidy up your database!!) Still youthful, but secondaries starting to come through, particularly on the nose. Blackberry, dried flowers, cocoa, leather, hints of dried fruit. Persistent acid and tannins, fine structure. Grippy finish and plenty of length. Still just hints of what’s to come in time. It’s an old soul in a young body. (Had this with duck and cherry sauce. The pairing didn’t work at all. Food and wine were both delicious separately.) — 8 years ago

with Sam